Around 4,500 years ago, Polynesian voyagers brought the coconut, known as nui in ‘lelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language), to Hawaii via canoes. From its physical shape, Native Hawaiians identified the coconut tree as the god Kū. They held coconut water in high regard and utilized it for important ceremonies and rituals. Today, coconut-based treats are a delicious way to experience this rich tradition.
Many ancient uses for coconut plants persist in modern times. For eating, young green coconuts offer gelatinous flesh and coconut water. Mature coconuts provide coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut oil, all essential for various coconut-based treats. They can also be used for mulch, bowls, cups, and musical instruments. The tree’s trunks serve as canoes, drums, and hale (houses), while its fronds weave baskets and thatch roofs.
While coconut trees abound throughout the archipelago, most of the coconut grown worldwide comes from Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. Since coconut products are rather labor-intensive, Hawaii imports most of these items for use in cooking and skin care. However, for authentic coconut-based treats, visit Kakaʻako or Kailua Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays to savor a freshly cracked green coconut from Hawaii. Otherwise, savor one of these local treats, inspired by one of Hawaii’s traditional canoe crops.
1. Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie, Ted’s Bakery, Haleʻiwa
Although you may get this pie in some grocery shops, nothing compares to savoring it right from the source. This pie is legendary in Hawaii and a must-try among coconut-based treats. One layer of chocolate pudding, one layer of haupia—a sweet, semi-firm pudding made with coconut milk and gelatin—and one layer of whipped cream on a flaky crust will get you yearning for the North Shore. 59-024 Kamehameha Highway, Haleʻiwa, (808) 638-8207, tedsbakery.com
2. Haupia White Dipped Macadamia Nut Coconut Shortbread, Big Island Candies, Ala Moana Shopping Center
Shortbreads abound at Big Island Candies. Many of them feature buttery macadamia nut bits, but the coconut shortbread is bursting with coconut bits, making it one of the best coconut-based treats on Oahu. Try the haupia shortbread when you are on Oahu; it has chunks of macadamia and coconut nuts. This is a delightful variation on Big Island Candies’ trademark cookie. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., #1230, Honolulu, (808) 946-9213, bigislandcandies.com
3. Koko Bowl, Heavenly Island Lifestyle, Waikīkī, and Hawaiʻi Kai
Excellent breakfasts with loads of healthy options are what Heavenly Cafes are renowned for. A Koko Bowl—blended açaí and banana topped with coconut froth, fresh papaya, and lime zest—is a perfect example of their coconut-based treats. Two locations: heavenly-waikiki.com and heavenly-hawaiikai.com
4. Coco Weizen, Honolulu Beerworks, Kakaako
Designed with hand-toasted coconut, this award-winning hefeweizen is light, crisp, and refreshing. As one of the most refreshing coconut-based treats, you will want to spend endless island time with tropical notes of banana, pineapple, clove, and coconut. 328 Cooke St., Honolulu, (808) 589-2337, honolulubeerworks.com
5. Coconut Soft Serve, Niu Soft-Serve Parlour, Mōʻiliʻili
This Native Hawaiian-owned ice cream store produces creamy plant-based niu (coconut) soft serve with a variety of toppings and sauces to pile on top. This delightful coconut-based treat includes the option of ube or one of two “flavors of the week,” or keep with the original for dairy-free coconut delight. 2320 S. King St., Honolulu (808) 436-3739, niusoftserve.com
6. Coconut Cake, Halekūlani Hotel, Waikīkī
Halekūlani’s coconut cake is so popular that it appears in all of the hotel’s restaurants, banquets, and bakery. This cake is a highlight among coconut-based treats in Waikīkī. Room service also allows you to request a slice of the light and fluffy sponge cake with coconut flakes and coconut-amaretto pastry cream. 2199 Kālia Road, Honolulu, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com
7. Sweet Lady of Waihole, Waihole Poi Factory, Kāneʻohe
To truly taste Hawaii, see the windward side of this local delicacy inspired by a legendary Hawaiian song (and actual person). Serving warm and gooey with a large dollop of haupia ice cream on top, kūlolo, pounded taro (grown nearby) cooked with coconut milk, makes for one of the most authentic coconut-based treats. 48-140 Kamehameha Highway, Kāneʻohe, (808) 239-2222, waiaholepoifactory.com
